Denmark-based Orsted, Japan Wind Development ( JWD ), and Eurus Energy have formed a partnership to develop offshore wind projects in Japan's Akita Prefecture. The three companies are already involved in developing two designated offshore wind sites in the same area, under Japan's Offshore Renewable Energy Act of 2018.

The Noshiro/Mitane/Oga Offshore Wind Farm and the Yurihonjo Offshore Wind Farm projects are currently progressing with the necessary permits. The consortium is prepared to participate in Japan's upcoming offshore wind auction round, which closes on May 27.

The partnership combines market-leading strengths in global offshore wind with a strong local renewable development footprint, according to a joint statement. JWD brings deep knowledge of the Japanese power market and supply chain as well as a strong track record in onshore wind in Japan. Orsted has unparalleled experience in developing, constructing and operating offshore wind farms worldwide, and Eurus Energy has for decades been the leading onshore wind company in Japan, with strong development and operational track record in the Akita Prefecture.

"As a strategic market for Orsted, Japan has great potential and optimal conditions to develop offshore wind," says Matthias Bausenwein, Orsted president for the Asia-Pacific region. "We are excited to further expand our footprint in the country and assist in developing renewable energy through our partnership with JWD and Eurus in the Akita Prefecture.''

Masayuki Tsukawaki, JWD president and chief executive officer, adds: "By leveraging each company's long-standing experience and knowledge and working together with local stakeholders, we believe we can build the first large-scale offshore wind farms in Akita. We can also contribute to the growth of the offshore wind power industry and development of sustainability in Japan."

Since 2017, JWD has moved forward with the Noshiro and Yurihonjo offshore wind sites, conducting site investigations including wind measurements, seabed surveys, and environmental impact assessments. The wind turbines for both wind farms will be installed on bottom-fixed foundations.

Japan has outlined a 30-45GW offshore wind ambition by 2040 and plans to execute offshore wind auctions every year. Japan's west coast is expected to host up to 5GW of offshore wind by 2030, and  9GW by 2040. As stated in the auction guidelines, the grid capacity is 415MW for Noshiro City, Mitane Town, and Oga City, and 730MW for Yurihonjo City.

Listed on the Nasdaq and in Copenhagen, Orsted develops, constructs and operates offshore and onshore wind farms, solar farms, energy storage facilities, and bioenergy plants, and provides energy products to its customers. In 2020, the group's revenue was 52.6 billion kroner ( US$8.67 billion ).